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Arginine

Conditionally essential amino acid that is precursor for nitric oxide (via NOS), urea, creatine, polyamines, and proline, with semi-essential status in growth, pregnancy, trauma, and sepsis.

Also: Arg, R

Arginine availability for endothelial NO synthase depends both on plasma arginine and on circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous NOS inhibitor. Citrulline supplementation increases plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine (which is largely metabolized by intestinal arginase). "Immune-enhancing" formulas containing arginine, omega-3s, and nucleotides are used selectively in perioperative nutrition.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 31: Arginine, Citrulline, and Glutamine

    Arginine availability for endothelial NO synthase depends both on plasma arginine and on circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous NOS inhibitor. Citrulline supplementation increases plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine (which is largely metabolized by intestinal arginase). "Immune-enhancing" formulas containing arginine, omega-3s, and nucleotides are used selectively in perioperative nutrition.

Related terms

ADMA, Citrulline, Nitric oxide, Urea cycle